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hystérie

hysteria

noun ees-teh-REE Rare

Origin: Greek hystera (uterus) — historical medical term

Usage Note

Hystérie once denoted a 19th-century medical diagnosis (now discredited and historically gendered). Today it is used colloquially to describe collective panic or wild excitement (l'hystérie collective). The adjective hystérique means 'hysterical'. Learners should be aware the term carries a loaded history and can be perceived as dismissive when applied to people's emotional reactions.

Examples

"L'annonce a provoqué une véritable hystérie dans la salle."

Natural Translation

The announcement triggered genuine hysteria in the room.

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